
WMS Staff Update
February 10th
WMS Newsletter Accessiblity
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Our digital newsletter can be translated into many different languages and the font can be adjusted so our entire community has access to what is happening in the WMS Wildcat Community!
To adjust your view of the newsletter, click on the "accessibility" button. The button is a circle with figure in it. Once you click the accessibility button, the menu to choose the language or different font size will appear.
Westland Schedule of Events
Please click on the calendar to review the calendar (as new events are added).
Who to Contact- Week of 2/10 - 2/14
MCPS Operating Status Updates
The safety of our MCPS community is critical, and being able to communicate with students, staff, and families during severe weather or other emergencies is of the utmost importance.
Use this link to find all the ways you can connect with MCPS to receive emergency operational information from the school system. The current operating status options for the school district appear on the MCPS website and on individual school websites.
In the event of a change in operational status, this link will provide more information about the MCPS Operating Status options.
Events Request Form
WMS Staff! As our students continue to have more opportunities for guest speakers and other events (during and after school), it is important to re-instate a school events request form for planning purposes. The form will be shared out soon. Stay tuned!
Staff Calendar Preference: Your Feedback Matters
Chromebook Status
Second Annual Step/Dance Showcase for MCPS at Gaithersburg HS (4/11/25)
Gaithersburg HS will be hosting the 2nd Annual Step/Dance Showcase for MCPS.
When: April 11th, 2025
Time: 7 pm (doors open at 6:30pm)
Where: GHS Performing Arts Center
Cost: $5
This year, there will be a:
JUNIOR DIVISION ( Middle School)
SENIOR DIVISION (High Schools)
Please fill out the following form if your school's group is interested in participating.
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1iFS3dUKTC1FnQa0pdhAaNl2jKhv_vgD_m7nwCp0X6E4/preview
More information will be sent out at a later time as we get closer to the event.
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Nilda_Keres@mcpsmd.org or tina_t_adeyemi@mcpsmd.org
WMS School Information
News You Need to Know
Staff Resources
Working Together to Create a Safe and Welcoming School Community
As we begin the second half of the school year, we want to remind students and their families of the many resources available to support everyone. These resources also reflect our shared commitment to fostering a safe, respectful and inclusive school community.
Civic Engagement and Civil Discourse
MCPS is committed to fostering civic engagement and civil discourse among our students. These are essential skills and strategies that empower young people to navigate a diverse world with respect and confidence.
- The MCPS Civic Engagement and Civil Discourse Google Site provides centralized resources for staff and is easily accessible via the MCPS Resources tab in Google Chrome. The website provides resources to support creating an environment where students can participate productively, engage safely, and experience uniform rule application across the district.
- Strategies concerning political engagement, including guidelines for students.
Supporting Our Diverse Community
Our diversity is a huge strength for us, and it’s our duty to ensure every individual feels valued and supported. Please keep the following resources in mind:
Addressing Hate-Bias and Antiracism
MCPS tiered protocols are critical for addressing hate and bias incidents, ensuring we respond thoughtfully and effectively when these situations arise.
Procedures for reporting and responding to hate-bias incidents.
Healthroom Information
In recent weeks, Montgomery County and the state of Maryland have experienced a substantial increase in respiratory virus illnesses (including COVID-19, influenza, and RSV) resulting in outpatient visits and hospitalizations. Per State and County Health Officer’s recommendations, mask wearing is now recommended in All Health Rooms.
Maryland Department of Health recommends that health care practices consider heightened clinical practices when the statewide combined weekly respiratory virus-associated hospitalization rate (as calculated by CDC) meets or exceeds 10 hospitalizations per 100,000 residents. Maryland has reported hospitalizations rates >10 / 100,000 for the previous 2 weeks, triggering this guidance.
It is recommended that all students, school staff, and health room staff wear a mask when they are in the health room. While wearing a mask will support our efforts to prevent the spread of these illnesses, it is not required. No one should be denied access to the health room due to not wearing a mask.
To support this recommendation, we now have masks available for those who wish to have them. Thank you in advance.
Do You Have News for the Weekly SMORE?
Westland PTSA Updates
Westland MS Highlights & Reminders
Attendance Reminders: Attendance should be taken each day. It is important for accurate attendance to be taken each day.
Chromebook Information: Fees address the cost of the chromebook assigned to the students only. The fee does not mean a student will get a new chromebook (Important Information)
Mental Health and Safety Resources
Montgomery County Crisis Hotlines:
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: Dial or Text 988 (for more information click HERE)
Maryland Crisis Hotline - 301-738-2255
Montgomery County Crisis Center - 240-777-4000
Youth Crisis Hotline of Montgomery County - 301-738-9697
Safety and Security Concerns:
Safe Schools Maryland Hotline - 833-MD-B-Safe (833-632-7233)
Safe Schools Maryland Online Report - Click HERE
MCPS Department of Systemwide Emergency Management - 240-740-3066
Cyber Tipline - 1-800-843-5678
MCPS "STRONGER STUDENT" - Student Mental Health and Wellness APP
National Association of School Psychologists:
Westland Middle School Information
Main Office (240.740.5850)
Principal- Mrs. Nicole Walker , Nicole_Walker@mcpsmd.org
Assistant Principal- Mrs. Lauretta Beckett, Lauretta_D_Beckett@mcpsmd.org
Assistant Principal- Mr. Ryan Bibeault, Ryan_P_Bibeault@mcpsmd.org
Administrative Secretary- Ms. Terri Howells, Mary_T_Howells@mcpsmd.org
Financial Specialist- Ms. Suzanne Marcou, Suzanne_W_Marcou@mcpsmd.org
Counseling/Registrar Office (240.740.5860)
Counseling Chairperson/6th grade counselor- Ms. Caryn Fischer, Caryn_Fischer@mcpsmd.org
6th Grade Counselor- Ms. Sarah Cohen, Sarah_A_Cohen@mcpsmd.org
7th Grade Counselor- Ms. Laura Williams, Laura_K_Williams@mcpsmd.org
8th Grade Counselor- Ms. Lauren Geissel, Lauren_Geissel@mcpsmd.org
Counseling Office Secretary- Ms. Alva Montano Rivas, Alva_B_MontanoRivas2@mcpsmd.org
School Staff Directory
Westland Middle School
Website: https://www2.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/schools/westlandms/
Location: 5511 Massachusetts Avenue, Bethesda, MD, USA